The Best New Riffs – 23 October 2026
Seven tracks, one absolutely massive week for rock and metal. From Tony Iommi proving that legends never fade to Polyphia rewriting the rulebook, this Friday is overflowing with new music. Throw in Floor Jansen, Machine Head, some rising talent and a healthy dose of British brutality, and limiting ourselves to six tracks was never going to happen. Some weeks, you just have to turn everything up.
Tony Iommi – Over the Violent Sun
The godfather of heavy metal is back. Today marks the release of From The Dark, Iommi's first solo album in over two decades, and its opening track delivers exactly what you'd hope for. That unmistakable down-tuned guitar, the weight of every note and the commanding vocals of Jørn Lande. Accompanied by a brand-new lyric video, “Over the Violent Sun” is a fitting reminder that the man who helped invent heavy metal still has plenty left to say. Some riffs simply have no expiry date.
Floor Jansen – Everything Is Moving On
Just over a week after announcing her departure from Nightwish, Floor Jansen opens another chapter with “Everything Is Moving On”, the third single from her forthcoming solo album Hytress, arriving January 15, 2027 via REVAMP Music/Warner Music. Powerful vocals, melodic intensity and a message about embracing change and living in the present. Accompanied by a new music video, the song arrives at a defining moment in her career. One chapter closes, another begins. And Floor is clearly moving forward.
Machine Head – Sutures
Machine Head have dropped a surprise single, and there's plenty to sink your teeth into. “Sutures” combines melodic passages with crushing riffs and the unmistakable intensity of Robb Flynn's vocals. Arriving as the band closes the chapter on 2025's UNATØNED, the track isn't officially tied to another album just yet. Whatever comes next, Machine Head still know how to make some serious noise.
DIAMANTE – Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood dreams come with a price, and DIAMANTE knows it. Her brand-new single “Hollywood Blvd” blends infectious melodies, eighties-inspired glamour and modern rock attitude while exploring the dangers of losing yourself in the pursuit of success. The track arrives alongside the announcement of her third studio album, Supernova, due January 8, 2027 via Sumerian Records. Her first full-length since 2021's American Dream, it's shaping up to be an exciting new chapter for the blue-haired powerhouse.
Polyphia – LET THERE BE LIGHT
Few bands are pushing the boundaries of instrumental music quite like Polyphia. The Texas quartet release their fifth studio album, Be Not Afraid, today via Rise Records, accompanied by a brand-new video for opening track “LET THERE BE LIGHT”. Blending intricate guitar work, progressive metal and electronic experimentation, Tim Henson and company continue to challenge expectations. A dazzling reminder that sometimes you don't need a single word to make a statement.
Micah Martin feat. Hyro The Hero – Finally Home
Electronic chaos meets nu-metal aggression on “Finally Home”, the latest single from Micah Martin's forthcoming debut album, All I Need, arriving November 20 via Create Music Group. With crushing riffs, dark electronics and a fierce guest appearance from Houston rapper Hyro The Hero, this is a powerful collision of genres with a surprisingly emotional heart. One to keep an eye on.
Beyond Extinction – Skin of the Beast
Essex has rarely sounded this unforgiving. Beyond Extinction return with their concept EP Three Swords, released today, and “Skin of the Beast” offers a particularly vicious introduction to its dark world. Crushing riffs, relentless aggression and an atmosphere that feels as unsettling as it does heavy. Accompanied by a brand-new music video, this is British extreme metal with absolutely no intention of playing nice.
Seven tracks, seven reasons to turn it up. From heavy metal royalty to the next generation of riff-makers, it's been one hell of a week for new music.
All seven tracks are waiting for you on our Spotify playlist. Hit play, turn it up and discover your next favourite riff!
Jose Crespo for The Riff Collective
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